Aminoalkyloximes useful in the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorders

ABSTRACT

Novel aminoalkyloximes of the formula   &lt;IMAGE&gt;   wherein: a. X is hydrogen, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, or a group of the formula   &lt;IMAGE&gt;   wherein Y is hydrogen or loweralkyl, and p is 1 or 2; b. A is a group of the formulan or lowerakyl; and d. m is 2 to 6 and n is 0, or 2 to 6, inclusive, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, useful for treating depression and obsessive compulsive disorders are described. Also described are precursors of and processes for the preparation of such aminoakyloximes.

The present invention relates to aminoalkyloximes. More particularly, the present invention relates to aminoalkyloximes of formula 1 ##STR4## wherein: a. X is hydrogen, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, or a group of the formula ##STR5## wherein Y is hydrogen or loweralkyl, and p is 1 or 2; b. A is a group of the formula ##STR6## a group of the formula ##STR7## wherein Y is as above and q is 1 or 2; a group of the formula ##STR8## wherein B is a group of the formula ##STR9## wherein X and p are as above or a group of the formula ##STR10## wherein R³ is hydrogen or loweralkyl and X and p are as above and r is 1, 2, or 3;

c. R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or loweralkyl or R¹ and R² taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a group of the formula ##STR11## wherein W is CH₂, O, or S, r is as above; and s is 1, 2, or 3; d. m is 2 to 6, inclusive, and n is 0, or 2 to 6, inclusive, the geometric and optical isomers thereof; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are useful for treating depression and obsessive compulsive disorders, alone or in combination with adjuvants.

Subgeneric thereto are aminoalkyoximes wherein:

a. A is a group of the formula ##STR12## b. A is a group of the formula ##STR13## and c. A is a group of the formula ##STR14## and X is ##STR15##

Also included in the present invention are compounds of the formula ##STR16## wherein Y is hydrogen or loweralkyl and p is 1 or 2.

As used throughout the specification and appended claims, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radical containing no unsaturation and having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 2-propyl, 1-butyl, 1-hexyl, 3-hexyl, 4-heptyl, 2-octyl and the like. The term "alkoxy" refers to a monovalent substituent which consists of an alkyl group linked through an ether oxygen having its free valence bond from the ether oxygen. Examples of alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 1-butoxy, 1-pentoxy, 3-hexoxy, 4-heptoxy, 2-octoxy and the like. The term "alkanol" refers to a compound formed by a combination of an alkyl group and hydroxy radical. Examples of alkanols are methanol, ethanol, 1- and 2-propanol, 2,2-dimethylethanol, hexanol, octanol and the like. The term "halogen" refers to a member of the family fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The term "lower" as applied to any of the aforementioned groups refers to a group having a carbon skeleton containing up to and including 6 carbon atoms.

The compounds of the present invention which lack an element of symmetry exist as optical antipodes and as the racemic forms thereof. The optical antipodes may be prepared from the corresponding racemic forms by standard optical resolution techniques, involving, for example, the separation of diastereomeric salts of those instant compounds characterized by the presence of a basic amino group and an optically active acid, or by synthesis from optically active precursors.

The aminoalkyloximes of formula 1 exist in isomeric Z- and E-forms. For example, 3-(1H-imidazolyl)propiophenone-O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime exists in the Z- and E-isomeric forms, 2 and 3, respectively, as shown below: ##STR17##

In the Z-isomer, the aminoalkyloxy group of the oxime function and the phenyl moiety, the group of greater priority, are cis to each other and in the E-isomer, the aminoalkyloxy group of the oxime function and the phenyl moiety, are trans to each other. The wiggly (˜) line in the formulas of the aminoalkyloximes of formula 1 indicate that the compound may be the E- or Z-isomer. See B. Unterhalt, Methodicum Chimicum 6, 403 (1975), for a discussion of the E-Z nomenclature.

The present invention comprehends all optical isomers and racemic forms thereof of the compounds disclosed and claimed herein and the formulas of the compounds shown herein are intended to encompass all possible optical isomers of the compounds so depicted.

The novel aminoalkyloximes 1 are prepared by condensing a phenone 4 with an aminooxyalkylamine 5 as illustrated below: ##STR18## wherein A, R¹, R², X, m, n, and p are as hereinbeforedescribed. The condensation is generally performed by treating a phenone 4 with an aminooxyalkylamine 5 as a salt, for example, a dihydrohalide 5a ##STR19## wherein Hal is chloro or bromo, chloro being preferred, in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, a tertiary amine such as a trialkylamine (trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, and the like) or a heteroaromatic amine (pyridine, picoline, lutidine, s-collidine, and the like), a heteroaromatic amine, namely, pyridine being preferred. While the condensation proceeds readily in the tertiary amine, for example, pyridine, acting as both an acid acceptor and solvent, a cosolvent, for example, an alkanol such as ethanol may be used to facilitate the reaction. The condensation temperature is not narrowly critical, the condensation is preferably performed at the reflux temperature of the reaction medium.

The requisite phenones 4 and aminooxyalkylamines 5 are prepared by the processes shown in the Reaction Scheme. To prepare a phenone 4, for example, a benzene 6 is treated with a carbonylhalide 7 having a leaving group L, i.e., a halo group such as chloro or bromo, or a sulfonyloxy group such as methylsulfonyloxy, phenylsulfonyloxy, or 4-methylphenylsulfonyloxy in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminum chloride to afford an intermediate phenone 8, which is then treated with a nucleophile AH 9 in the presence of a base, e.g., a tertiary amine (triethylamine or pyridine) or an alkali metal carbonate or -bicarbonate (sodium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate) to yield the ultimate phenone 4 by well-known methods.

Alternatively, a phenone 4 is prepared by condensing an alkyne 10 having a leaving group L wherein L is as described above with a nucleophile AH 9 in an aprotic dipolar solvent such as dimethylformamide at a temperature of about 60° to 80° C. to provide a substituted alkyne 11, which is sequentially treated with a halobenzene of the formula 12 ##STR20## wherein X, p, and Hal are as described above in a condensation medium of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride, copper (I) iodide, and triethylamine, and then a hydration medium of sulfuric acid in the presence of mercury (II) sulfate in aqueous ethanol to provide phenylalkyne 13 and ultimate phenone 4, respectively. See T. Sakamuto, et al., Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Japan) 34, 2754 (1986) and A. N. Tischler and T. J. Lanza, Tetrahedron Letters, 27, 1653 (1986). The aminooxyalkylamines 5 are prepared by treating N-hydroxyphthalimide 14 with an N-substituted phthalimide 15 having a leaving group L wherein L is as described above in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate, e.g., potassium carbonate, in an aprotic dipolar solvent, e.g., dimethylformamide, to form coupled product 16, cleaving the coupled product 16 with hydrazine in an alkanol, e.g., ethanol, to provide an aminoalkylhydroxyamine 17, and then alkylating an aminoalkylhydroxylamine 17 with an alkyl halide or -dihalide of the formula 18, 19, or 20 ##STR21## in the presence of a trialkylamine, e.g., triethylamine to yield 5. See Organic Chemistry, D. J. Cram and G. S. Hammond, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y., 1959, page 215.

The aminoalkyloximes of the present invention are useful as agents for the alleviation of depression and affective disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorders, particularly those associated with serotonergic hypofunction. See, for example, W. K. Goodman, et al., Archives of General Psychiatry, 47, 577 (1990). Alleviation of depression and affective disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorders, is demonstrated in the in vitro inhibition of serotonin uptake, an assay for the determination of the ability of a drug to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in the etiology of depression and affective disorders. In this assay, a modification of the tests described by A. S. Horn and R. C. A. M. Trace, British Journal of Pharmacology, 51, 399 (1974), A. Nagy and A. V. Delgado-Escueta, Journal of Neurochemistry, 43, 1114 (1984) and P. R. Dunkley, et al., Brain Research, 372, 115 (1986), the following reagents are prepared and employed:

Procedure:

A. Animals

Male CR Wistar rats (100-125 g)

B. Reagents

1. Krebs-Henseleit Bicarbonate Buffer, pH 7.4 (KHBB):

Prepare a 1 liter batch, containing the following salts.

    ______________________________________                                                         grams/L                                                                              mM                                                       ______________________________________                                         NaCl              6.92    118.4                                                KCl               0.35    4.7                                                  MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                            0.29    1.2                                                  KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 0.16    2.2                                                  NaHCO.sub.3       2.10    24.9                                                 CaCl.sub.2        0.14    1.3                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Prior to use add to 200 ml, per assay:

    ______________________________________                                         Dextrose          2 mg/ml   11.1                                               Iproniazid phosphate                                                                             0.30 mg/ml                                                                               0.1                                                ______________________________________                                    

The batch is aerated for 60 minutes with 95% oxygen/5% carbon dioxide, the pH is checked to insure it is at 7.4±0.1, then add bovine serum albumin (Sigma cat# A-7906) 1 mg/ml.

2. Filtration buffer:

Make a 4 liter batch containing the following salts:

    ______________________________________                                                       grams/4L                                                                              mM                                                        ______________________________________                                         NaCl            31.68    135.5                                                 KCl             1.40     4.7                                                   MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                          1.16     1.2                                                   HEPES           9.54     10.0                                                  CaCl.sub.2      0.56     1.3                                                   BSA             4.0      1 mg/ml                                               ______________________________________                                    

Maintain on ice.

3. Sucrose solution: 0.32M sucrose containing 5 mM HEPES and 0.1 mM EDTA; pH to 7.3 using Tris base.

4. A 0.1 mM stock solution of serotonin creatinine SO₄ is made up in 0.01N HCl. This is used to dilute the specific activity of radiolabeled 5HT.

5. 5-[1,2-3H(N)]-Hydroxytryptarnine creatinine sulfate (serotonin), specific activity 20-30 Ci/mmol, is used.

The final desired concentration of [³ H]-5HT in the assay is 50 nM. The dilution factor is 0.8. The KHBB is made up to contain 62.5 nM of [³ H]-5HT.

Add to 100 ml of KHBB:

    ______________________________________                                         A)        56.1 μl of 0.1 mM 5HT =                                                                     56.1 nM                                              B)        0.64 nmol of [.sup.3 H]-5HT =                                                                   6.4 nM                                                                        62.5 nM                                              ______________________________________                                    

6. For most assays, a 0.5 mM stock solution of the test compound is made up initially in either 10 μl of glacial acetic acid, 100 μl DMSO or 10 μl of the recrystallization solvent, to which is added approximately 10 ml of distilled water. Compounds are initially screened in duplicate at 3 concentrations (10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁷ and 10⁻⁶ M) made up in water. For those compounds demonstrating activity at ≦10⁻⁷ in the initial screen, IC_(50S) are determined from 7 concentrations: 10⁻⁹ through 10⁻⁶. Higher or lower concentration ranges may be used depending on the potency of the compound. To ensure consistency, the standard clomipramine is run with each assay.

C. Tissue Preparation

Male Wistar rats are decapitated and the brain rapidly removed. Whole brain (minus cerebellum) is weighed and homogenized in 15 volumes of ice cold sucrose solution using a Potter-Elvejhem homogenizer. The following procedures are performed on ice. Homogenization should be done with 4-5 up and down strokes at medium speeds (setting 4.5 to 5) to minimize synaptosome lysis. The homogenate is centrifuged at 1000 g (3000 rpm, Sorvall SS-34 roter) for 10 minutes at 0°-4° C. The supematant is removed and approximately 10 ml per tube is carefully layered onto a discontinuous Percoll (Sigma cat# P-1644) gradient: 21% Percoll in sucrose solution at the bottom (15 ml per tube) and 10% Percoll in the middle (10 ml; colored with a few drops of phenol red for visibility).

The Percoll gradient tubes are carefully placed into a Beckman SW-28 swinging bucket rotor and spun in a Beckman XL90 ultracentrifuge using the following program: speed, 11,000 rpm (15,000 g) for 30 minutes at 4° C.; slow acceleration and deceleration (acceleration setting 9; deceleration setting 3). Tubes are carefully removed, and the top layer and the top part of the middle (red) layers are discarded using a pasteur pipette. The synaptosomes are located in the white fluffy band at the interface between the 10% and 21% Percoll layers. This is carefully removed, placed in a centrifuge tube, diluted with KHBB and spun at 21,000 g (13,000 rpm, Sorvall SS-34 rotor). The pellet (synaptosomes) is resuspended in KHBB (10 vol per gram original brain wet weight; 1 brain minus cerebellum weighs approximately 1.2 g; 2.5 brains are needed per typical assay).

    ______________________________________                                         D.    Assay                                                                    ______________________________________                                         800 μl       KHBB with [.sup.3 H]-5HT                                        20 μl       Vehicle or appropriate drug                                    200 μl       Tissue suspension concentration                                ______________________________________                                    

200 μl of the tissue suspension are added to each of 24 tubes (at a time) containing the 20 μl of vehicle or drug on ice. Three minutes later, 800 μl of KHBB containing [³ H]-5HT are added, and tubes are vortexed. The rack containing the 24 tubes is moved from the ice bath to a water bath set at 37° C. The tubes are incubated for 5 minutes under 95% oxygen/5% carbon dioxide. Uptake is terminated by filtration through GF/B filter strips using a Brandel cell harvester (filter strips are presoaked in ice cold filtration buffer). Tubes are washed once with 5 ml of ice cold filtration buffer. Filter disks are placed in scintillation vials to which are added 10 ml of scintillation fluid (EcoScint). Filters are allowed to sit overnight before being counted.

For each assay, 3 tubes are incubated with 20 μl of vehicle at both 37° C. and 0° C. Active uptake is the difference between cpm taken up at 37° C. and 0° C. Percent inhibition at each concentration is the mean of two determinants. IC₅₀ values are derived from probit analysis using #46 Litchfield and Wilcoxon I: confidence limits of IC₅₀ Pharmacologic Calculation System--version 4.0.

                  TABLE A                                                          ______________________________________                                                                Inhibition of                                                                  Serotonin Reuptake                                      Compound               Activity IC.sub.50 (μM)                              ______________________________________                                         4'-Chloro-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone-                                                         0.128                                                   O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                                          4'-Methoxy-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone-                                                        1.28                                                    O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                                          4'-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-phenyl-1-butanone                                                            1.81                                                    O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                                          3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-                                                           0.164                                                   phenyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                      1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-                                                           0.160                                                   butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                                 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-                                                             0.257                                                   1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                               4-(2-methyl-1-(1H)imidazolyl-1-phenyl-1-                                                              0.656                                                   butanone O-(1-aminoethyl)oxime                                                 4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethyl                                                            0.080                                                   phenyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime                                       Amitripyyline (standard)                                                                              0.091                                                   Fluoxetine (standard)  0.042                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Alleviation of depression and affective disorders is achieved when the present aminoalkyoximes are administered to a subject requiring such treatment as an effective oral, parenteral or intravenous dose of from 0.01 to 100 mg/kg of body weight per day. A particularly effective amount is about 25 mg/kg of body weight per day. It is to be understood, however, that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the aforesaid compound. It is to be further understood that the dosages set forth herein are exemplary only and that they do not, to any extent, limit the scope or practice of the invention.

Compounds of the invention include:

a. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

b. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

c. 3-(2,4-dimethyl-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

d. 4-[4-(3-methylbenzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

e. 4-[4-(2,4-dimethylbenzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

f. 4-[4-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

g. 4-[4-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

h. 4-[4-(benzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

i. 4-[3-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminobutyl)oxime;

j. 4-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-hexahydroazepinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime;

k. 1-{1-[4-(2-aminoethoxyimino)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)butyl]-4-piperidinyl}-1,3-dihydro-3-methyl-2-benzimidazolone;

l. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethyl]oxime;

m. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifiuoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl]oxime;

n. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-[2-(1 -hexahydroazepinyl)ethyl]oxime;

o. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-[2-(1-morpholinyl)ethyl]oxime; and

p. 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-[2-(1 -thiomorpholinyl)ethyl]oxime.

Effective amounts of the compounds of the invention may be administered to a subject by anyone of various methods, for example, orally as in capsules or tablets, parenterally in the form of sterile solutions or suspensions, and in some cases intravenously in the form of sterile solutions. The free base final products, while effective themselves, may be formulated and administered in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts for purposes of stability, convenience of crystallization, increased solubility and the like.

Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts include salts of mineral acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and the like, salts of monobasic carboxylic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid and the like, salts of dibasic carboxylic acids such as, for example, maleic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid and the like, and salts of tribasic carboxylic acids such as, for example, carboxysuccinic acid, citric acid and the like.

The active compounds of the present invention may be administered orally, for example, with an inert diluent or with an edible carrier. They may be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the aforesaid compounds may be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, chewing gums and the like. These preparations should contain at least 0.5% of active compound, but may be varied depending upon the particular form and may conveniently be between 4% to about 75% of the weight of the unit. The amount of present compound in such composition is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained. Preferred compositions and preparations according to the present invention are prepared so that an oral dosage unit form contains between 1.0-300 mgs of active compound.

The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like may also contain the following ingredients: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, corn starch and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl, salicylate, or orange flavoring may be added. When the dosage unit is a capsule it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier such as fatty oil. Either dosage unit forms may contain other various materials which modify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, as coatings. Thus tablets or pills may be coated with sugar, shellac, or other enteric coating agents. A syrup may contain, in addition to the active compounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives, dyes and colorings and flavors. Materials used in preparing these various compositions should be pharmaceutically pure and non-toxic in the amounts used.

For the purpose of parenteral therapeutic administration, the active compounds of the invention may be incorporated into a solution or suspension. These preparations should contain at least 0.1% of the aforesaid compound, but may be varied between 0.5 about 50% of the weight thereof. The amount of active compound in such compositions is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained. Preferred compositions and preparations according to the present invention are prepared so that a parenteral dosage unit contains between 0.5 to 100 mgs of the active compound.

The solutions or suspensions may also include the following components: a sterile diluent such as Water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 3-(1-(1H)-Imidazolyl)propiophenone-O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime difumarate

A mixture of 3-((1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (2.74 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (2.65 g), and pyridine (100 mL) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue was pumped under high vacuum and then flash chromatographed (1:1:18 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane, then 1:1:8 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated, and the organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and pumped under high vacuum, at steam bath temperature. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (2.04 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The solid was collected and dried under high vacuum at 56° C. The solid was slurried in a small amount elf methanol to yield 1.02 g (15.2%) of product, mp 130.5°-132° C., after drying under high vacuum for four hrs at 97° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₄ H₁₈ N₄ O.C₈ H₈ O₈ : 53.88% C 5.34% H 11.42% N Found: 53.44% C 5.30% H 11.36% N

EXAMPLE 2 3-(1-(1H)-Imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone (4.65 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (3.10 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate, the organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was flash chromatographed (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added to the solution. The solid was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 2.8 g (40%) of product, mp 213°-214° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₁₉ Cl₂ F₃ N₄ O: 45.13% C 4.80% H 14.03% N Found: 44.82% C 4.69% H 13.98% N

EXAMPLE 3 3-(1-(1H)-Imidazolyl)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-propanone (4.60 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (3.07 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was stirred under reflux, under nitrogen, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate, the organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was flash chromatographed (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added to the solution. The solid was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 2.2 g (32%) of product, mp 223°-225° C. (dec.)

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₁₉ Cl₂ F₃ N₄ O: 45.13% C 4.80% H 14.03% N Found: 45.19% C 4.69% H 13.99% N

EXAMPLE 4 4'-Methoxy-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime difumarate hydrate

A mixture of 4'-methoxy-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (1.47 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (1.14 g), ethanol (50 mL), and pyridine (1.55 mL) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for six hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated, pumped under high vacuum, and the residue was flash chromatographed (1:1:8 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated, and the residue was pumped under high vacuum at 100° C. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (1.26 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The precipitate was collected under nitrogen and dried under high vacuum at 56° C. for five hrs. The residue was triturated with pentane and dried under high vacuum at 56° C. to give 1.06 g (30.8%) of product, mp 88°-90° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₀ N₄ O₂.C₈ H₈ O₈ --H₂ O: 51.30% C 5.62% H 10.40% N Found: 51.01% C 5.51% H 10.29% N

EXAMPLE 5 4'-Methoxy-3-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime difumarate

A mixture of 4'-methoxy-3-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (1.67 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (1.23 g), ethanol (60 mL), and pyridine (2.0 mL), was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated, pumped under high vacuum, and flash chromatographed (1:1:8 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and pumped under high vacuum at 100° C. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (1.29 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The precipitate was recrystallized from methanol and ethyl acetate and dried under high vacuum at 97° C. to yield 2.08 g (56.7%) of product, mp 168°-169° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₆ H₂₂ N₄ O₂.C₈ H₈ O₈ : 53.93% C 5.66% H 10.48% N Found: 53.97% C 5.57% H 10.27% N

EXAMPLE 6 4'-Chloro-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime difumarate

A mixture of 4'-chloro-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (1.7 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (1.4 g), and pyridine (50 mL), was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for four hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated, pumped under high vacuum, and the residue was flash chromatographed (1:1:18 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate was concentrated, and pumped under high vacuum, at 100° C. for one hr. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (1.29 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The precipitate was dried under high vacuum at 97° C. to yield 2.23 g (58.8%) of product, mp 153°-153.5° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₄ H₁₇ N₄ OCl.C₈ H₈ O₈ : 50.34% C 4.80% H 10.67% N Found: 50.29% C 4.89% H 10.49% N

EXAMPLE 7 4'-Chloro-3-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime sesquifumarate

A mixture of 4'-chloro-3-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (3.56 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (2.77 g), and pyridine (150 mL) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for two hrs. The reaction was concentrated, pumped under high vacuum, and flash chromatographed (1:1:18 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane, then 1:1:8 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic layers were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and pumped under high vacuum. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (1.7 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from methanol and ethyl acetate and dried under high vacuum at 111° C. to yield 2.97 g (43.2%) of product, mp 179°-80° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₁₉ N₄ OCl.C₆ H₆ O₆ : 52.45% C 5.24% H 11.65% N Found: 52.05% C 5.27% H 11.30% N

EXAMPLE 8 3-(2-Methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime difumarate

A mixture of 3-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)propiophenone (4.0 g), 2-aminooxyethylamine dihydrochloride (3.34 g), and pyridine (200 mL) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, for one hr. Additional amine (175 mg) was added, and the mixture was heated for one-half hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated, pumped under high vacuum, and the residue was flash chromatographed (1:1:18 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane, then 1:1:8 triethylamine/methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was distributed between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and pumped under high vacuum. To the residue in methanol was added fumaric acid (1.68 g), then ethyl acetate, carefully, to precipitate the salt. The precipitate was dried under high vacuum at 78° C. to yield 2.63 g (28.1%) of product, mp 138° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₀ N₄ O.C₈ H₈ O₈ : 54.76% C 5.59% H 11.11% N Found: 54.67% C 5.57% H 10.91% N

EXAMPLE 9 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-propanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-propanone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.46 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 20% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 1.9 g (40%) of product, mp 225°-226° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₄ H₁₉ Cl₂ FN₄ O: 48.15% C 5.48% H 16.04% N Found: 48.34% C 5.54% H 16.04% N

EXAMPLE 10 4-(1-(1H)-Imidazolyl)-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-phenyl-1-butanone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.50 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanoI (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, overnight. The reaction mixture was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was combined with 5.0 g of crude, previously prepared material and purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol to give 6.3 g (58%) of product, mp 196°-198° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₂ Cl₂ N₄ O: 52.18% C 6.42% H 16.23% N Found: 52.28% C 6.18% H 16.18% N

EXAMPLE 11 4-(2-Methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyi)-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 4-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-phenyl-1-butanone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.35 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for four hrs. The solvent was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol/ether to give 3.1 g (66%) of product; mp 153°-155° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₆ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O: 53.49% C 6.73% H 15.59% N Found: 53.39% C 6.79% H 15.47% N

EXAMPLE 12 1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone (2.20 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.58 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 1.3 g (39%) of product, mp 205°-207° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₁ Cl₃ N₄ O: 47.45% C 5.57% H 14.75% N Found: 46.75% C 5.84% H 14.40% N

EXAMPLE 13 4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-butanone (5.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (3.17 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for two hrs. The reaction mixture was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 3.1 g (42%) of product, mp 207°-208° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₆ H₂₁ Cl₂ F₃ N₄ O: 46.50% C 5.12% H 13.56% N Found: 46.29% C 4.97% H 13.67% N

EXAMPLE 14 4-(2-Methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 4-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-butanone (2.65 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.60 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol/ether to give 1.4 g (37%) of product, mp 181°-184° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₇ H₂₃ Cl₂ F₃ N₄ O: 47.79% C 5.43% H 13.11% N Found: 47.45% C 5.43% H 13.05% N

EXAMPLE 15 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.31 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for four hrs. The reaction mixture was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol to give 3.2 g (68%) of product, mp 237°-238° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₁ Cl₂ FN₄ O: 49.60% C 5.83% H 15.42% N Found: 49.69% C 5.60% H 15.47% N

EXAMPLE 16 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(2-methyl-1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.18 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from absolute ethanol/ether to give 3.2 g (70%) of product, mp 219°-221° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₆ H₂₃ Cl₂ FN₄ O: 50.94% C 6.14% H 14.85% N Found: 51.01% C 6.22% H 14.78% N

EXAMPLE 17 1-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazol.yl)-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-butanone (2.29 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.45 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 1.1 g (33%) of product, mp 205°-208° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₅ H₂₀ Cl₄ N₄ O: 43.50% C 4.87% H 13.53% N Found: 43.53% C 4.78% H 13.46% N

EXAMPLE 18 5-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-pentanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 5-(1-(1H)-imidazolyl)-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-pentanone (11.5 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (5.78 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 3.3 g (20%) of product, mp 115°-120° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₇ H₂₃ Cl₂ F₃ N₄ O: 47.79% C 5.43% H 13.11% N Found: 46.99% C 5.39% H 12.83% N

EXAMPLE 19 4-[4-(4-Fluorobenzoyl)-1-piperidinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of 4-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-piperdinyl]-1-phenyl-1-butanone (5.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (2.21 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was stirred at 60° C., overnight, under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was evaporated, toluene was added and evaporated. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. Diethyl ether was added. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 2.3 g (34%) of product, mp 110°-115° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₂₄ H₃₂ Cl₂ FN₃ O₂ : 59.50% C 6.66% H 8.67% N Found: 59.18% C 6.96% H 8.69% N

EXAMPLE 20 1-{1-[4-(2-Aminoethoxyimino)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)butyl]-4-piperidinyl}-1,3-dihydro-2-benzimidazolone dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-{1-[4-oxo-4-(4-chlorophenyl)butyl]-4-piperidinyl}-1,3-dihydro-2-benzimidazolone (3.00 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.35 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was taken up in hot 2-propanol and chilled. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized twice from absolute ethanol/ether to give 2.1 g (53%) of product, mp 140°-145° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₂₄ H₃₂ Cl₃ N₅ O₂ : 54.50% C 6.10% H 13.24% N Found: 53.86% C 6.44% H 12.93% N

EXAMPLE 21 1-{1-[4-(2-Aminoethoxyimino)-4-phenylbutyl]-4-piperidinyl}-1,3-dihydro-2-benzimidazolone dihydrochloride

A mixture of 1-[1-(4-oxo-4-phenylbutyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1,3-dihydro-2-benzimidazolone (3.85 g), O-(2-aminoethyl)hydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.89 g), 3 equivalents of pyridine, and absolute ethanol (75 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, for three hrs. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 10% sodium hydroxide solution and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was taken up in toluene and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (180:19:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was taken up in hot 2-propanol and chilled. The precipitate was collected and recrystallized from 2-propanol and then twice from ethanol/ether to give 1.5 g (29%) of product, mp 175°-180° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₂₄ H₃₃ Cl₂ N₅ O₂ : 58.30% C 6.73% H 14.16% N Found: 57.73% C 6.93% H 13.83% N

EXAMPLE 22 Cyclopropyl-[4-(2-phenyl-1-imidazolyl)phenyl]methanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime dihydrochloride

A mixture of cyclopropyl-[4-(2-phenyl-1-imidazolyl)phenyl]methanone (2.6 g), aminoethylhydroxylamine dihydrochloride (1.95 g), and 3 equivalents of pyridine, in absolute ethanol (30 ml) was heated under reflux, under nitrogen, with stirring, overnight. The reaction mixture was evaporated, the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with a 10% sodium hydroxide solution. The organic extracts were evaporated and the residue purified by high performance liquid chromatography (silica gel, 185:14:1 dichloromethane/methanol/ammonium hydroxide). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was taken up in ethanol and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride. The mixture was evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol/ether to give 3.06 g (80.9%) of product, mp >220° C. (dec).

Analysis: Calculated for C₂₁ H₂₄ Cl₂ N₄ O₂ : 60.15% C 5.77% H 13.36% N Found: 60.18% C 6.06% H 13.20% N

EXAMPLE 23 Cyclopronyl-[4-(2-phenyl-1-imidazolyl)phenyl]methanone

A solution of 4-chloro-4'-fluorobutyrophenone (15.0 g) and 2-phenylimidazole (100 mL) in dry dimethylformamide was heated, under nitrogen, at 150° C., with stirring, overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were evaporated and the residue was purified by high performance liquid chromatography (silica gel, dichloromethane to 1% methanol/dichloromethane). The appropriate fractions were collected and concentrated. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol to give 4.3 g (19.9%) of product, mp 155°-157° C.

Analysis: Calculated for C₁₉ H₁₆ N₂ O: 79.14% C 5.59% H 9.71% N Found: 79.03% C 5.49% H 9.72% N ##STR22## 

We claim:
 1. A compound of the formulawherein: a. X is hydrogen, loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, halogen, trifiuoromethyl, or a group of the formula ##STR23## wherein Y is hydrogen or loweralkyl, and p is 1 or 2; b. A is a group of the formula ##STR24## c. R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or loweralkyl; d. m is 2 to 6, and n is 0, or 2 to 6, inclusive, the geometric and optical isomers thereof; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; with the proviso that when n is 0, one of the X substituents is ##STR25## wherein Y is hydrogen or loweralkyl, and p is 1 or
 2. 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein A is a group of the formula ##STR26## and X is ##STR27## .
 3. The compound according to claim 2 which is cyclopropyl-[4-(2-phenyl-1-imidazolyl)phenyl]methanone O-(2-aminoethyl)oxime.
 4. A method of treating depression in mammals comprising administering to a mammal in need of depression treatment, a depression treating effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 5. A method of treating obsessive compulsive disorders in mammals comprising administering to a mammal in need of obsessive compulsive disorder treatment, an obsessive compulsive disorder treating effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 6. A depression treating composition comprising an inert adjuvant and as the active ingredient an amount effective in treating depression of a compound according to claim
 1. 7. An obsessive compulsive disorder treating composition comprising an inert adjuvant and as the active ingredient an amount effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorders of a compound according to claim
 1. 